The Joint Commission awards Waupun Memorial Hospital accreditation

Waupun Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for healthcare quality and safety in hospitals.

Waupun Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in December 2012. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Waupun Memorial Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Waupun Memorial Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, executive director of Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services with The Joint Commission. "Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Waupun Memorial Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."

"Such positive survey findings can only happen through the dedicated efforts of many individuals working together as a team," says DeAnn Thurmer, Waupun Memorial Hospital chief operating officer. "We are grateful for all the efforts of leaders and associates in every department throughout our system who assure we are truly ready, 365 days a year."

The Joint Commission's hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts, providers, measurement experts and patients.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 20,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 10,600 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,600 other healthcare organizations that provide long-term care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services.

The Joint Commission also certifies more than 2,400 disease-specific care programs such as stroke, heart failure, joint replacement and stroke rehabilitation, and 400 healthcare staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.